Thunderstorm Asthma

Beginning in August 2017, the National Asthma Council is offering free workshops and a webinar series for health professionals to upskill and prepare their practice on this very specific topic. Our workshops and webinars take the learnings from the 2016 Melbourne Thunderstorm Asthma event into account to prepare for the upcoming spring season. All educational activities, as well as the related resources on Thunderstorm Asthma are supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

What is Thunderstorm Asthma?

Thunderstorm Asthma is an unusual cluster of allergic asthma flare-ups (including severe acute asthma) associated with springtime thunderstorms. It is not necessarily a special kind of asthma. However, a certain type of thunderstorm appears to be needed, together with a high pollen count, to trigger this event. Under these circumstances people who are allergic to ryegrass pollen can experience asthma symptoms during springtime thunderstorms – even if they have never had asthma before.

Workshops on Thunderstorm Asthma

Workshops for GPs, practice nurses and pharmacists are being held across Victoria, mostly hosted by Primary Health Networks.

The workshop learning objectives are:

Describe and understand the phenomena of Thunderstorm Asthma

Define and identify who is at greater risk of Thunderstorm Asthma

Apply current, evidence-based best practice of asthma and allergic rhinitis to professional practice

Describe the importance of written asthma action plans and how to use them

Increase knowledge of emergency asthma management and asthma first aid

Webinars and online learning modules

Together with our member organisations we are offering online learning as well. 60-minute webinars have been developed by the National Asthma Council and presented by our member organisations. Find out more about the webinars on our partners’ websites:

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